A pressurized environment allows a greater amount of gas (in this case oxygen) to be dissolved into a liquid (in this case plasma). This is known as Henry’s Law of Physics. For instance, when a carbonated beverage is canned at the factory, a great amount of pressure is applied so that more carbon dioxide can be dissolved into the beverage, which causes carbonation. When the beverage is opened, the pressure is released, and the amount of carbonation decreases over time resulting in a “flat” beverage.

The same law applies to hyperbaric therapy. Greater amounts of oxygen are absorbed into the plasma, synovial fluid, and cerebral fluid when the body is pressurized using a hyperbaric chamber.

In addition to a greater absorption, the oxygen is also allowed to reach areas in the body that are difficult to reach without the increased pressure. In particular, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to:

Stimulate the development of new blood vessels, thus improving circulation

Stimulate the action of white blood cells, helping the body to fight off infection

Narrows certain blood vessels, reducing inflammation and swelling

Inhibits the growth of foreign bacteria and organisms

How does hyperbaric help in healing? Oxygen is forced into the tissues, organs, brain and fluids throughout the body through the pressurization of the hyperbaric chamber.